Black History Month Celebrated

Black History Month Celebrated with Impressive Ceremony
at Markham Town Centre

(Feb.27.07) Markham brought its celebration of Black History Month to an impressive culmination on February 26 with a special ceremony held in the Council Chamber. Fourteen distinguished citizens, from a wide range of professions and community involvements, received awards of achievement.

The event was presided over by Town Councillor Jack Heath who stated that the celebration of Black History Month had become an important part of the city's life. Mayor Frank Scarpitti praised the contributions to our municipal, provincial and national life by Canadians of Black heritage.

       Before the formal part of the ceremony began, the gathering was treated to the music of renowned saxophonist Dave McLaughlin. Another special treat, just prior to the awards presentation, was a performance and demonstration of African drums by students from Parkview Public School, under the direction of teacher Maggie Birtch.

       Dr. Joseph Kurantsin-Mills paid tribute to the achievements of a number of remarkable individuals of African heritage, from the fields of politics, diplomacy, medicine and technology.

       This year's award recipients were chosen from a group of selected nominees by the Markham African Caribbean Association Black History Awards committee, chaired by Heather Christian-Simmonds.

       The first to receive his award from Mayor Scarpitti was Mr. Denham Jolly, President and CEO of FLOW 93.5, Canada's first black radio station, who then made a valedictory address on behalf of all the award recipients.

Denham Jolly
President & CEO of FLOW 93.5,
Canada's first black radio station

Bernice Carnegie
Executive Director,
Herbert H. Carnegie Future Aces Foundation

Eddie Grant
Veteran Photo Journalist

Erica Broomfield
Top Female Sprinter at 200m in Canada

Pamela Bishop
Community Volunteer / Substitute Teacher,
York Catholic District School Board

Joseph Kurantsin-Mills
Research Scientist and Visions
of Science Board member

Evra Trought-Pitters
Teacher, Toronto District School Board

Veronica Robinson
Principal, York Catholic District School Board

Archbishop Dr. Deloris Seiveright
Founder and President of the Shouters
National Evangelical Spiritual Baptist Faith
International Centre of Canada

Police Constable Patrick Brown
York Regional Police, School Liaison Officer

Joy Kurantsin-Mills accepted the award
on behalf of Dr. Francis Jeffers,
Scientist and Executive Director
of Visions of Science

Marilyn Thomas accepted the award
on behalf of Dr. Winston Klass,
VP of Ipsos Reid Statistical Services,
Board Chairman of Visions of Science

Edson Thomas accepted the award
on behalf of Vicky Brooks-Johnson,
Science Teacher,
Toronto District School Board

Prescott Harrison accepted the
Lifetime Achievement Award
on behalf of Judge Pamela Appelt,
First female Afro-Caribbean Canadian
Citizenship Judge

Chief of Police of York Region Armand La Barge
(second from left) was present, along with
Inspector Paul Pederson (left) and
Acting Superintendent Robertson Rouce (far right)
to show their appreciation for the award that
Constable Patrick Brown would soon be receiving.

International Saxophonist Dave McLaughlin
opened the festivity with his haunting virtuosity.

Mildred Mpindu sang the Canadian National
Anthem and Black National Anthem.

Kieron Kawano and Arnel Scott
presided over the distribution of the awards.

Town Councillor Jack Heath
served as MC for the event.


Heather Christian-Simmonds executive member of Markham African Caribbean Association (MACA), Black History Awards chairperson	Ruth Mckenzie-Liddie executive member of MACA	Gris Liddie executive member of MACA

photos by Grant Weaver